How to Remove Your Domain from Major Email Blacklists
Got blacklisted? Here's how to remove your domain from major email blacklists, restore your reputation, and get your emails back in the inbox.
Last updated
Got blacklisted? Here's how to remove your domain from major email blacklists, restore your reputation, and get your emails back in the inbox.
Last updated
You’re running email campaigns, building great content, and suddenly... 📉 your open rates nosedive. You check your metrics. Spam folder spikes. Deliverability dips. What's going on?
Chances are, your domain has been blacklisted.
It happens — and it’s more common than you think. Whether it was a misstep in your sending habits or a misunderstanding with a spam filter, being on a blacklist means your emails could be blocked or flagged as spam by major inbox providers like Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo.
The good news? You can fix it. This guide will walk you through the exact steps to remove your domain from major blacklists and get back to doing what you do best: connecting with your audience 💬.
First, don’t panic — confirm the issue. You might feel like you’re blacklisted, but let’s check it properly.
Use tools like:
MXToolbox Blacklist Checker
Spamhaus Lookup Tool
Paste in your domain (not just the IP), and scan across multiple blacklists. If you see your domain listed, note the names of the blacklists — each one has a slightly different removal process.
Now that you know you’re on a blacklist, the next question is: why?
Domains don’t just end up there randomly. One or more of the following likely triggered it:
High bounce rates from sending to invalid email addresses
Too many people marked your emails as spam
Sending without proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
You’re on a shared server/IP with a poor reputation
Your domain was used in a phishing or spam attack
You bought a list (please don’t do that again 😬)
This is where you roll up your sleeves and do a little investigating.
Before you even think about asking for removal, you’ve got to clean house.
✅ Verify your list: Use an external verification tool to remove invalid, inactive, or risky email addresses.
✅ Check your domain’s DNS settings:
Make sure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are properly configured.
If they’re missing or misconfigured, inbox providers will flag your emails as untrustworthy.
✅ Stop all sending temporarily: If you keep sending while blacklisted, it only makes things worse. Pause campaigns until you’re off the list.
✅ Scan your domain: Run malware/virus scans and make sure your site or sending servers haven’t been compromised.
💡 SenderWiz can’t verify emails for you, but it can help catch invalid syntax or duplicate addresses when you upload your list. Pair it with a verification service before import for best results.
Once you’ve addressed the root issue, it’s time to reach out and politely request delisting. Every blacklist has its own process, but here are the common steps for the major ones:
Use the Spamhaus Blocklist Removal Center
Look up your domain.
Follow the instructions and explain what changes you’ve made to fix the problem.
Visit SORBS Removal Form
Submit a request and include any actions you’ve taken (e.g., implemented SPF/DKIM, cleaned your list).
Go to the Barracuda Central Blocklist Removal Page
Provide your domain, the issue, and how you resolved it.
Visit SpamCop.net
Look up your domain.
SpamCop automatically removes listings after a short period if no further spam is detected. But if needed, you can submit a manual removal request.
📝 Tips for a successful request:
Be honest, clear, and professional.
Avoid blame. Even if you're not sure what caused the issue, acknowledge it and explain the steps you've taken to fix it.
Show that you care about compliance and list quality.
Congratulations! You’ve been removed. Now it’s time to stay off the naughty list 🧠
🧽 Regularly clean your list: Remove unengaged users, bounces, and spam traps.
📧 Use double opt-ins: To ensure subscribers actually want to hear from you.
🧰 Authenticate your domain: Always use SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
📊 Track metrics: Keep an eye on bounce rates, complaint rates, and engagement levels.
🧠 Send smarter: Use SenderWiz to rotate sender names, schedule sends by time zone, track replies, and segment based on engagement.
Deliverability isn’t just a setup — it’s an ongoing practice.
Getting blacklisted can feel like a disaster — but with the right steps, it’s just a temporary setback. What matters most is how you respond.
✅ Clean your list ✅ Fix your DNS settings ✅ Authenticate your sending domain ✅ Monitor your email metrics ✅ And make sure you’re sending content people actually want 💌
With tools like SenderWiz, you can manage campaigns, schedule emails, rotate senders, and track performance — all while keeping your domain reputation squeaky clean.